County dealerships offering military discounts as part of Armed Forces Day

Although this shouldn't be the case with the sacrifice our loyal men and women in the armed services make, it's a little known fact that today is Armed Forces Day. The day was created back in 1949 and combined the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy to recognize and honor those Americans who served in the Armed Forces.

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. Many other nations in the world also use this day to honor their military forces.

The first Armed Forces Day 60 years ago was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. It was quite an event to behold. Armed Forces Day was established by then President Harry S. Truman to show appreciation to the military personnel for their patriotic service in support of our country.

Today, several auto dealerships in the county are showing their appreciation to the military. Paradise Chevrolet of Ventura, Vista Ford of Oxnard, Ventura Harley-Davidson of Camarillo and 1st Auto Group of Simi Valley are all offering discounts to active duty military personnel.

"We are always appreciative of our business community not only with discounts, but with any campaign where they offer support to our troops," said Teri Reid, public affairs officer of Naval Base Ventura County.

As the largest employer in the county, Naval Base Ventura County has a $1.7 billion impact on the local economy and they welcome the recognition and appreciate the local business community passing on discounts to local servicemen and women.

Paradise Chevrolet, in the Ventura Auto Center, is offering a below invoice discount to active military personnel on all vehicles on the lot with the exception of the Corvette CR1. All other models of the Corvette are included in the program. This nationwide program is sponsored by General Motors and is designed to benefit the men and women serving in the military. In addition to the military discount, all other discounts and incentives can be combined. For example, the dealership is offering zero-percent financing or a $2,500 discount on the Chevrolet Malibu. Many other models have similar discounts.

Per Bjorge, Paradise's general sales and service manager, served in the Norwegian Navy as a cryptographer. He served his military time aboard a destroyer and at NATO Headquarters in Oslo, Norway.

"At Paradise Chevrolet, we have always been a big supporter of the military," said Bjorge. "They are my heroes."

Paradise Chevrolet is located at 6350 Leland Street in the Ventura Auto Center. For more information, call 642-0111.

At Vista Ford, in the Oxnard Auto Center, the military is being recognized by being offered an additional $500 rebate off the price of most vehicles in stock. This incentive is being offered through Ford Motor Credit and can be combined with many of the other rebates and offers through the dealership. On the popular 2009 Ford Fusion (V-6 model), for instance, credit as low as 0 percent for 72 months or a $3,500 rebate is currently being offered.

"We are happy to assist our military personnel that are doing a great job and we at Vista Ford are happy to assist them," said Sales Manager Juan Avila

Vista Ford is located at 1501 Auto Center Drive in the Oxnard Auto Center. The dealership can be reached at 983-6511 for more information.

Throughout this weekend, Ventura Harley-Davidson/Buell is offering a 15 percent discount to active duty military on the purchase of clothing, parts, accessories and service. You must show an active duty military identification card to qualify. Additionally, if you're in the market to purchase a bike, the dealership will pay the sales tax on any new Harley-Davidson or Buell with a VIN number. The touring models are excluded in this offer.

"We really appreciate what the military is doing. For Armed Forces Day, we'll roll the bike for them," said General Manager Tracey Warriner. "For several years now, we've been a participant in the annual Seabee Poker Run in support of our local military."

Ventura Harley Davidson/Buell is located at 1326 Del Norte Road in Camarillo. The dealership can be reached at 981-9904 for additional details or further information.

In the east county, 1st Auto Group of Simi Valley is offering discounts starting at $500 under invoice to active military and their families. Every new car on the lot is included in this offer. 1st Auto Group features the line-up of Honda, Nissan and Kia.

"The 1st Auto Group supports those in the military and their families. We'll do anything we can to help them buy a car," said General Sales Manager Joe Vece.

The 1st Auto Group dealerships are located in the 2000 block of First Street in Simi Valley. All dealerships can be reached at 526-9700.